The influence of the Pacific Ocean plays an important role in the ripening of the grapes.
- Location / origin: The grapes come from Arroyo Seco and the Santa Lucia Highlands, two wine regions within Monterey County on the Californian Central Coast. The final wine brings together fruit from both origins.
- Climate & influences: Cool sea air, morning mist, and wind from Monterey Bay temper the heat. This gives the grapes time to build ripeness while maintaining their acidity.
- Vineyards: Bernardus works with dedicated growers in Monterey County, who also tend to plots specifically intended for the estate. This long-term cooperation makes it possible to tailor vineyard management to the desired wine style.
The winemakers combine careful handling of the fruit with fermentation and aging in oak.
- Harvest & pressing: The grapes are harvested by hand and gently pressed. A soft pressing helps to extract the aromatic juice without picking up unnecessary bitter components from skins and seeds.
- Fermentation: 57% of the wine ferments in oak barrels. The wood therefore plays a role right from the creation of the wine, which helps to integrate the fruit and the oak influence.
- Maturation & blending: 90% then undergoes aging in French oak barrels. After maturation, the winemakers blend the different batches, paying attention to the balance between the full structure, the oak notes, and the fresh acidity.
The composition centers on a single grape, with the combination of origins providing nuance.
- 100% Chardonnay – Monterey County: Chardonnay can convey both the ripeness of a sunny growing season and the freshness of a cool coastal climate. This versatility forms the basis here for the full mouthfeel and lively acidity.
